11 Monitoring Invasive Pressure
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Zeroing the Pressure Transducer
To avoid inaccurate pressure readings, the monitor requires a valid zero. Zero the transducer in
accordance with your hospital policy. You must perform a zero:
• when you use a new transducer or tubing
• every time you reconnect the transducer cable to the monitor
• if you think the monitor's pressure readings are not correct.
When using a pressure module, the zero information is stored in the module. When a pressure module,
with the transducer connected, is plugged into the monitor, the monitor will use the Zero stored in the
module.
Zeroing ICP (or IC1/IC2)
Your hospital guidelines may require you to zero the ICP transducer less frequently than other
transducers, due to the need for aseptic conditions. When you zero an ICP transducer, the zero values
are automatically stored and you will not be prompted to repeat the zero procedure.
If you want to simultaneously zero all pressures except ICP, disconnect the ICP transducer from the
Multi-Measurement module or pressure module while zeroing. Reconnecting the transducer recalls the
stored values.
WARNING
If you select the label ICP (or IC1/IC2), the measurement device uses the most recently stored zero.
Therefore, make sure you zeroed the transducer correctly in accordance with the transducer
manufacturer's instructions and your hospital policy. When you use a transducer that you cannot
rezero after placement, ensure that you keep the measuring device with the patient so that you are
certain you have the correct zero data for this patient.
Determining a Pressure's Most Recent Zero
The monitor displays the most recent zero on the status line. If this has "timed-out" after you have
performed a zero, redisplay the information in the status line by entering the pressure's setup menu.
Zeroing a Pressure Measurement
WARNING
Invasive pressure alarms (and pulse alarms, if derived from invasive pressure) are temporarily
suppressed until 30 seconds after the transducer finishes zeroing.
1 Turn off the stopcock to the patient.
2 Vent the transducer to atmospheric pressure, to compensate for the static and atmospheric
pressure exerted on the transducer.
3 In the setup menu for the pressure, select Zero <Press Label>.